Guide to Choosing GoPro Third-Party Batteries

Pros and Cons of Using Third-Party Batteries for GoPro

Pros

The biggest advantage of third-party batteries compatible with GoPro is their affordability. Genuine GoPro batteries cost around $25, but third-party batteries are typically priced around $10, roughly 1/3 the price. This means you can purchase four batteries for the same price, making it feasible to dispose of them when they wear out.

Another advantage is the wide range of options available. As GoPro is a popular device, many manufacturers offer third-party batteries compatible with GoPro, including high-capacity options, allowing you to choose the type of battery that best suits your needs.

Cons

The main drawback of using third-party batteries for GoPro is their quality.

Genuine batteries undergo rigorous testing by the manufacturer to ensure high reliability and minimize the risk of issues. While third-party batteries may not necessarily pose an immediate danger, their lower price often indicates cost-cutting measures, which can result in lower capacity than advertised, swelling due to charging, and in rare cases, the possibility of battery fires.

It's important to understand the risk, as using incompatible batteries could potentially damage your GoPro.

Points to Consider When Purchasing Third-Party Batteries for GoPro

Key Points When Purchasing Compatible Batteries

Choose Batteries from Trusted Brands

The most crucial point is to choose third-party batteries from trusted brands and manufacturers.

GoPro-compatible batteries come from various manufacturers, ranging from reputable brands to parallel imports from Chinese manufacturers. While batteries from Chinese manufacturers aren't necessarily problematic, considering factors like individual product quality control and customer support, it's best to opt for reliable brands, even if they are slightly more expensive.

Additionally, since GoPro-compatible batteries have a large market presence, there are abundant product reviews available. Check reviews of batteries from trusted manufacturers to ensure there have been no significant issues in the past.

Consider Compatibility

GoPro batteries vary in compatibility across different generations. Using incompatible batteries may prevent them from being recognized by the camera. Therefore, always verify compatibility with your specific GoPro model before making a purchase.

Batteries Compatible with Various Generations of GoPro Models

Explaining batteries compatible with different generations of GoPro models. Clear explanations on which GoPro model is compatible with which battery.

Trusting the compatibility assurance from the third-party battery manufacturer is usually sufficient, but it's wise to double-check the battery's shape and terminals just in case. It's also better to verify if the battery's pull tab, used to remove it from the GoPro, is correctly positioned.

Additionally, GoPro cameras are equipped with a battery management system, which triggers a "Battery Warning" error message when an incompatible battery is inserted. While some batteries may still function despite the error message, there's a possibility of reduced operating time, especially in high-quality recording modes. Therefore, it's advisable to choose batteries with a track record of no error messages.

Check Battery Capacity

The operating time of a GoPro camera is directly proportional to the battery capacity. Therefore, it's advisable to choose third-party batteries with a capacity equal to or greater than that of the genuine GoPro batteries.

The standard battery capacities for GoPro models are:

1. From GoPro HERO9 to HERO12 generations: 1720mAh
2. From GoPro HERO5 to HERO8 generations: 1220mAh

However, it's essential to verify if the stated battery capacity matches the actual performance. This can be determined by testing whether the third-party battery provides similar or longer usage time compared to the genuine battery. Checking reviews on platforms like Amazon or eBay can be helpful in this regard.

Safety Considerations

As batteries pose risks of abnormal heating and fire hazards, safety is paramount. While the safety of third-party batteries varies by product, certain indicators can provide assurance:

1. Adherence to safety standards such as UL (Underwriters Laboratories) certification in the United States or CE (Conformité Européenne) marking in Europe
2. Manufacturer's track record in producing compatible batteries for various products

The latter point is particularly crucial. Manufacturers with a wide range of compatible battery offerings typically possess extensive knowledge and experience in battery manufacturing. Moreover, they are more likely to have product liability insurance (PLI), providing additional peace of mind in case of accidents.

While PLI coverage doesn't guarantee flawless performance, it ensures that compensation is available in case the manufacturer is unable to provide it. This added security is invaluable in mitigating risks associated with third-party batteries.

Cautionary Notes for Using GoPro-Compatible Batteries

Finally, let's review some essential precautions for using third-party batteries:

1. Beware of overcharging
2. Regularly inspect batteries for swelling
3. Avoid charging or using batteries in extreme temperatures

While these precautions apply to all batteries, they are especially critical for third-party batteries due to their potentially lower reliability compared to genuine ones. Therefore, thorough verification is essential to minimize risks.